Mactavis

Category: Websites

  • 7 Reasons Why Your Law Firm Needs a Website

    7 Reasons Why Your Law Firm Needs a Website

    The legal landscape is evolving, and so are the expectations of potential clients of lawyers and legal firms. The absence of an online presence is a glaring oversight for any modern law firm. 

    Without a website, your law firm is likely missing out on many potential clients. 

    In this present day, when someone needs legal services, they usually look it up online first. Credibility, convenience and assurance that they are making the proper decision are what they seek. A well-designed website will serve as the online representation of your legal practice, offering clients confidence, displaying experience, and giving vital information. 

    However, many legal firms continue to conduct business without a website, restricting their reach and accessibility, despite the obvious benefits. This weakens their competitive advantage in an increasingly saturated market and makes it more difficult for them to draw in new clients.  

    Having a strong internet presence is now essential; it is not optional. Failing to do so puts your law firm at risk of being overshadowed by competitors who are more digitally adept, which could result in the loss of potential clients who prefer the ease of use and speed of obtaining legal advice online.  

    This blog post will examine seven solid reasons why your law firm needs a website, showing how having a good online presence can increase clientele, establish a reputation, and guarantee that your firm survives in the contemporary world. 

    1. Modern Client Behaviour

    The convenience of a quick internet search allows potential clients to easily access a plethora of information about various legal services and firms. This immediate access to information significantly influences their decision-making process. Nowadays, clients anticipate having access to case studies, attorney profiles, client testimonials, and thorough description of services. Having a strong online presence ensures that people will find your firm when they need legal help, making you an attractive choice. Typically, prospective clients begin their search with a general query about their legal problem, then narrow it down to find law firms that can help address their needs. 

    Moreover, modern clients tend to trust the results online, often equating a firm’s digital presence with its pedigree, excellence and proficiency. Thus, having a website that ranks well in search engine results is vital for capturing the attention of prospective clients at the very start of their journey. 

    You are not included in this first set of considerations if your firm does not have an online presence. Furthermore, many modern clients frequently assume a company’s digital presence indicates its authenticity and expertise, placing a high value on the outcomes they discover there. Therefore, it is essential to have a website that performs well in search engine results to draw in potential clients right away. 

    2. Credibility and Trust 

    A professional website creates confidence and demonstrates the dependability and credibility of your legal practice. It gives you a platform to present your firm’s achievements, experience, and knowledge of your firm, improving your standing. 

    A website allows you to present your firm’s narrative compellingly and authentically. Through attorney bios, detailed service descriptions, and client testimonials, you can convey your firm’s unique value proposition and build a rapport with prospective clients before any direct interaction occurs. Furthermore, a well-maintained website, with up-to-date content and a user-friendly interface, reflects your commitment to professionalism and client service. 

    In addition to boosting credibility, a website will demonstrate your firm’s technological savviness, which is important to modern clients who value efficiency and accessibility. Features such as online consultation booking, live chat support, and resourceful blog posts can significantly enhance client engagement and satisfaction. These elements not only improve the user experience but also reinforce the perception of your firm as a forward-thinking and client-focused organization. 

    3. Increased Visibility and Reach 

    Increased visibility and reach are paramount for attracting new clients. A well-optimized website significantly enhances your firm’s search engine ranking, making it more likely that potential clients will find you. With the right SEO strategies, your law firm can appear on the first page of search results, positioning you prominently where clients are most likely to click. 

    Search Engine Optimization (SEO) involves various techniques, such as keyword optimization, high-quality content creation, and backlink building, all designed to improve your website’s ranking on search engines like Google. By incorporating relevant keywords that potential clients are likely to search for, such as “divorce lawyer” or “business attorney,” your website can rise to the top of search results. Moreover, regularly updating your website with informative and engaging content, such as blog posts and case studies, signals to search engines that your site is active and relevant, further boosting your rankings. 

    The advantage of high search engine visibility is clear: it increases the likelihood that potential clients will visit your website. This increased traffic can lead to more inquiries and, ultimately, more clients. A strategic SEO plan transforms your website from a static online brochure into a dynamic tool for client acquisition. 

    4.  Client Convenience (24/7 Accessibility) 

    Client convenience is a crucial factor in choosing a legal service provider. Unlike a physical office, a website is open 24/7, providing a constant point of access to your firm’s resources and contact information. 

    Potential clients typically conduct their research outside of business hours, whether late at night or early in the morning. Having a website ensures that your firm is always available to meet their needs, regardless of the time. It allows clients to explore your services, read about your expertise, and even initiate contact through online forms or chatbots whenever it suits them. 

    Furthermore, a website can include features such as an FAQs section, downloadable resources, and informative blog posts, all of which empower clients to educate themselves about their legal issues before reaching out to your firm. This not only enhances their experience but also streamlines your intake process by providing clients with the information they need upfront. 

    5.  Showcase Your Expertise 

    One of the most effective ways to showcase your expertise is through having a website. Regularly updated content, such as blogs, articles, and case studies, can highlight your knowledge and position your firm as a thought leader in the legal field. By addressing common legal questions, discussing recent legal developments, and sharing success stories, you provide valuable insights that can attract and retain clients. 

    Blog posts and articles allow you to delve into specific areas of law, demonstrating your firm’s proficiency and keeping your audience informed about pertinent issues. Case studies, on the other hand, offer a detailed look at your firm’s capabilities and successes, providing potential clients with tangible evidence of your expertise. This consistent stream of high-quality content not only engages visitors but also boosts your search engine rankings, further enhancing your online visibility. 

    6.  Better Client Engagement 

    Interactive features on your website can significantly enhance client engagement and streamline the process of obtaining legal assistance. Tools such as chatbots, contact forms, and scheduling systems provide immediate, personalized interaction, making it easier for clients to connect with your firm. 

    Chatbots and Knowledge bases are features that can answer common questions, provide basic legal information, and direct clients to relevant resources, all in real-time. This instant communication fosters a positive client experience by addressing their needs promptly. Contact forms allow clients to reach out with specific inquiries or request consultations, facilitating a seamless communication channel between potential clients and your firm. Online scheduling tools further simplify the process, enabling clients to book appointments at their convenience without the need for back-and-forth phone calls. 

    These interactive elements not only enhance the user experience but also demonstrate your firm’s commitment to accessibility and client service. By providing multiple avenues for engagement, you make it easy for clients to take the next step in seeking legal help. 

    7. Competitive Advantage

    A well-designed website can provide a substantial competitive edge to your firm. Your company will stand out from those without an online presence and from those with antiquated, badly designed websites if it has a polished, user-friendly website. It reflects the modernism, professionalism, and attention to details of your law firm.

    It is critical to emphasize what makes your company special. This can contain your areas of expertise, noteworthy accomplishments, or unique client-service methodology. Posing these differentiators prominently on your website helps you tell a story that appeals to prospective customers.  

    Additionally, a well-designed website demonstrates trustworthiness and credibility. Clients are more likely to think highly of your company and take it seriously when they visit a well-designed, informative website.  

    Conclusion 

    If you want your law firm to thrive in the modern legal landscape, then you must leverage the power of a professional website from increasing visibility to engaging clients and enhancing your firm’s credibility. Don’t miss out on the vast opportunities the digital world offers. Investing in a strong online presence is a strategic move that will drive growth, attract new clients, and secure your firm’s position in a competitive market.

    How Mactavis Can Help your Firm Grow

    At Mactavis Digital, we specialize in empowering Law firms like yours to thrive in the digital age. We can help you take advantage of the opportunity to invest in a professional website. You are only a few steps away from having the chance to turn your online presence into an effective tool for drawing and keeping clients. 
    Click here to get in touch with us to schedule a free consultation and see how we can help you create a website that attracts visitors and turns them into loyal clients. Our team of experts is ready to partner with you to create a customized solution that satisfies your unique needs and goals. 

    Are you ready to boost the success of your law firm and take it to new heights online? 

  • How Website Audits Can Transform Your Online Presence and Propel Business Growth

    How Website Audits Can Transform Your Online Presence and Propel Business Growth

    Did you know that 94% of users judge a website’s credibility based on its design and user experience? In the digital era where first impressions matter, the importance of a flawless online presence cannot be overstated. 

    Welcome to our comprehensive guide on website audit, an important but sometimes disregarded element of digital success.  

    Establishing and sustaining a strong online presence presents several obstacles for businesses in the cutthroat environment of today. The road to online success is filled with obstacles, ranging from mastering flexible design to negotiating the complexities of SEO. 

    Understanding The Need For Website Audits

    Picture this, a potential customer lands on your website but is met with slow load times and a confusing layout. The result? They bounce away, straight into the arms of your competitor. This is just one of the many challenges businesses encounter in the digital space. According to statistics, 40% of visitors leave a website that takes longer than three seconds to load. These difficulties hurt search engine rankings in addition to turning off potential clients. 

    What Exactly is a Website Audit? 

    A Website audit, in simple terms, is a comprehensive analysis of your website’s health, performance, and overall effectiveness. Regular audits serve as proactive measures, akin to preventive healthcare for your online presence. 

    Imagine a doctor identifying potential health risks before they escalate. Similarly, website audits diagnose issues before they harm your online credibility. From identifying broken links to ensuring mobile responsiveness, audits are the diagnostic tools ensuring your online “office” is in top-notch condition. 

    Steps For Effective Website Audits

    Step 1: Establish Your Goals 

    Set clear objectives for your website assessment at the onset. A well-defined set of goals will direct the entire process, whether it is optimizing conversion funnels, enhancing user experience, or improving SEO. 

    Step 2: In-depth Technical Study 

    Conduct a thorough technical analysis. This entails evaluating your website’s mobile friendliness, speed, markup validation, web vitals, and compliance with industry standards such as accessibility. 

    Step 3: Assessment of Content 

    Carry out a thorough examination of your website copy. Make sure that the content meets the demands and expectations of your target audience by using topics and imagery that are pertinent to your sector. 

    Step 4: Improve User Experience 

    Closely examine the navigation, layout, and general design and usability of your website, to ensure that your audience has a flawless experience. Also test your website on as many different devices as possibe (phones, tablets, laptops).

    Benefits of Website Audits 

    Search Engine Visibility and Rankings

    Doing a thorough website check helps a lot in making sure search engines notice and index your site. This involves looking at key things that make your site show up better in search results. Such as: 

    • Better Words for Meta Tags: Think of meta tags as short and sweet descriptions of your webpage. A website audit tweaks these descriptions to be more attractive to both search engines and regular folks, so your site shines when people search online.
    • Keywords: Keywords are like road signs that guide people online. A good website audit looks at what words people are using to search and helps your content include these words smartly. This way, when people search, your site pops up because it’s using the words they’re looking for. 
    • Your Website’s Blueprint: Imagine your website as a building, and a website audit as checking if the rooms are in the right places. It makes sure everything is organized in a way that makes sense. This not only helps people easily navigate your site but also makes search engines happy, boosting your website’s status.

    As your website gets a tune-up through the audit, here’s what happens: 

    • Ranking higher in searches: With improved meta tags, smartly used keywords, and a well-organized structure, your website climbs up the search engine ladder. This means more people see it when they search for things related to your site. 
    • More People Visiting Naturally: With a higher search rank comes more visitors. These are not random clicks; they’re people genuinely interested in what your website offers. It’s like having a busy store because people know it’s the place to be. 
    • Your Website Stands Out Online: In the noisy online world, a website that’s been through an audit is like a shining star. It sets itself apart from the rest, catching the eyes of both people and search engines. This adds up to a strong and lasting online presence. So, think of a website audit as the key to making your website a digital VIP – easily found, attractive, and standing out in the online crowd. 

    Enhanced User Experience

    When it comes to the digital world, user experience is everything. Every element, from simple navigation to eye-catching layouts, should be carefully considered to make sure users are not only made to feel welcome but also motivated to explore.  

    Consider your website as a well thought out, user-friendly store. Customers locate what they need with ease, which promotes return visits and increased conversion rates. This is the magic of a well-designed website, made possible by the insights gleaned by thorough audits. 

    Optimized Performance and Web Vitals

    A good Website Audit delves deep into the nuances of performance improvement, going beyond the obvious. Examining loading times, server response times, image and media sizes, and general website responsiveness are all part of this. Audits clear up performance bottlenecks, which improves user satisfaction and search engine rankings.

    Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO)

    All websites have a goal and purpose. Getting your visitors to actually proceed to perform your intended action is called “Conversion”, the rate at which this happens is your Conversion Rate. Website audits are instrumental in optimizing conversion rates. By analyzing user journeys, identifying conversion difficulties, and refining calls-to-actions, audits enhance the likelihood of turning visitors into loyal customers. This, in turn, contributes to the overall success of digital marketing strategies. 

    In essence, a meticulously conducted website audit serves as a cornerstone for achieving digital excellence, influencing user perception, search engine visibility, and overall online success. 

    When it comes to creating and maintaining your online presence, the most important thing to keep in mind is that there is never a “finished product.” It must constantly develop and adjust to flourish in novel settings. It’s critical to keep up with emerging trends and industry best practices. It usually gets harder for business owners to stay on top of everything that might affect how successful their online presence is as they must concentrate on daily duties. Your brand value to your clients will ultimately decrease if you don’t consistently assess and improve the performance of your online presence. 

    Yes, at first this initiative may seem a little daunting, but the advantages are incalculable. 

    As we reach the end of this article, let’s revisit the milestones we’ve uncovered. From the challenges businesses face in the digital arena to the transformative power of website audits, each step has been a testament to the potential for growth that lies within your online presence. 

    Your website is not just a virtual storefront, it’s a dynamic canvas waiting to be optimized for success. 

    How Mactavis Digital Transforms Organizations Through Website Audits

    At Mactavis Digital, we understand the intricacies of this ever-evolving digital landscape. Our commitment to helping businesses grow is not just a statement but a pledge. We have experience navigating website audit processes, turning challenges into opportunities and stagnation into growth. 

    Take, for instance, our collaboration with a client who had an outdated website struggling to keep up with modern user expectations. Recognizing the importance of a dynamic online presence, we embarked on a journey to revamp their digital footprint. By updating their website, we not only addressed aesthetic concerns but also delved deep into enhancing the overall user experience.

    Through meticulous redesign and optimization, we transformed their old website into a smooth, responsive platform tailored to their target audience’s needs. The result? A seamless navigation experience, faster loading times, and intuitive UI/UX design elements that captivated visitors from the moment they landed on the updated site. Ready to witness similar results for your business? It is within your powers to change the course of your digital story. Act now to maximize your website’s potential. Ready to embark on this transformative journey? Click here to connect with us for a personalized consultation, and let’s sculpt a future where your online presence stands as a beacon of success. 

    Let’s build the future of your digital presence together! 

  • How to Increase Your Fashion Brand Profitability and Grow Your Business With E-commerce

    How to Increase Your Fashion Brand Profitability and Grow Your Business With E-commerce

    Electronic commerce is the general term used to describe companies and people who do their business on the internet; including a fashion brands. In e-commerce, personal computers, smartphones, and other digital devices replace physical stores.

    Almost all goods and services like books, music, clothes, shoes, bags, airline tickets, and financial services such as stock trading and internet banking are accessible through online transactions.

    E-commerce has aided businesses, especially those with a limited audience like small businesses, in expanding their reach and establishing a substantial market presence by offering less expensive and more effective distribution channels for their goods and services. 

    For instance, Woora supplemented its physical showroom with an online store that allows customers to purchase everything from women’s dresses; to gowns, blouses, skirts, and even accessories from the comfort of their homes. 

    The internet enables fashion brands to launch e-commerce businesses or expand already successful ventures. Through websites and social media channels, companies can sell directly to consumers.

    Zalu Nua, an e-commerce store, built and managed by Mactavis Digital said its best with a quote culled from independen.co.uk:

    “When a piece of jewelry is displayed in a shop, surrounded by hundreds of other designs all dazzling you at the same time. It can be hard to pick out the right thing. Take that process online and you are presented with a well-chosen selection of pieces tailored to your budget and style preferences – all in a few clicks.”

    Most customers see online shopping as convenient because it allows them to shop whenever and wherever they choose. However, consumers are not the only people who enjoy this convenience. The convenience of running an online business allows you to do so without any geographical boundaries.  

    Technology Opportunities in Fashion  

    A shift in the generation of consumers 

    The taste and fashion demands of consumers are gradually changing as the market becomes younger. More importantly, however, is how the new generation of consumers chooses to shop for fashion.

    An e-commerce store provides by far the best ROI compared to any other platform or channel for selling your pieces, and it is the channel of choice for the emerging generation of consumers.  

    Technology-driven customers 

    A significant number of shoppers prefer the convenience that comes with better technology over a lower price – this does not mean that running a discount from time to time should be ignored.  

    About 71% of consumers are more willing to shop with brands that have incorporated technology into the shopping experience; Websites, Web apps, and Virtual try-on tools that help them see how well a design fits without them getting out of their clothes. 

    These are areas to consider as they provide convenience, engage consumers, meet their shopping desires, and personalize their shopping experience. 

    Technology-driven cost savings

    Having an e-commerce store with insightful features such as inventory management and inventory analytics is very essential. This allows you to produce or procure only pieces that are low in stock and also evaluate the demand level per piece. 

    Website, Social Media or Jumia/Konga

    A very common misconception among businesses is that there isn’t a need to have a website because of the prevalence of third-party marketplaces such as Jumia and Konga, and social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. As essential as these are for every business, they are not in any way a replacement for a website. 

    The benefits of having a website that is supplemented by social media and marketplaces are:  

    Better brand positioning

    A business with a website is more readily trusted than one with just social media pages. Aside from selling your products, your website is where your audience goes to understand the story behind your brand, the people behind it, and your muse.

    You can tell stories behind the products and the collections much easier than on any other platform. This gives you more opportunities to drive brand loyalty and also to curate touchpoints for new customers.

    Deeper insight into customer data and behavior

    Email addresses, contact numbers, and other personal details are usually effortlessly collected on an e-commerce store rather than on social media or marketplaces like Jumia. On your website, you have several chances to gain insight into customer and their preferences. With this, trading online via a website will offer you several chances to gain knowledge about customer information. 

    These data are accessible through cookies, personal information from sign-in/sign-up forms, and surveys. The information may be put to different uses by your brand, including contacting customers, enhancing customer experience, retargeting customers with shoppable adverts, and making tailored product suggestions.

    Reduce cost per sale

    Any marketplace you sell on like Jumia will charge a percentage for the use of their platform. While building and managing your own online store might seem expensive, you realize in the long run that it reduces costs, pays for itself, and increases your profit once you drive a higher volume of sales through it.

    If you can reach a customer directly through your website, you’ll be able to reduce your average cost per sale.

    Simplifies scaling & inventory management

    One more significant advantage of having an e-commerce store is that it simplifies business expansion and inventory control. 

    Technically, all you need to launch an e-commerce store is one person and one website initially. As your sales grow, you can broaden your service line and level up your brand with low operating costs, thereby increasing your profitability.

    Your customers’ eyes for you only

    Social media is easily distracting, and so are marketplaces like Jumia/Konga, where your products are displayed with those of other competitors.

    With your website, your customer is engrossed in a digital experience that is all about your pieces and products. All recommended and related products are yours. All comparisons are within your offerings.

    What can Fashion Brands Do To Grow?

    While there is no magic word that will ensure you successfully grow your brand, there are some tips that can help you navigate the e-commerce waters successfully.

    Optimize Your Website

    If you already have a website, you need to know that today’s consumers have high expectations for e-commerce platforms. To meet the demand, you require a stable and scalable website that can withstand traffic without crashing. Appearance and usability should be the foremost considerations.

    It should be mobile-friendly since mobile devices now account for the bulk of web traffic. Regardless of the customer’s device, you want them to get what they’re looking for conveniently. 

    You can research the best UI/UX design practices or work with professionals like us to optimize your brand’s online presence and ensure that your website meets all standards.

    Additionally, be sure that your website adheres to search engine optimization (SEO) best practices. SEO makes it easier for your brand to be found on Google and other search engines, and this in turn increases website traffic.

    Ensure Repeat Sales On Your Website 

    Regular discounts, sales, and promos will help bring repeat customers to your website. You can do this by creating coupons, and giving them to first-time customers, or customers that purchase above a certain amount. 

    Ready to take the bold step towards establishing and advancing your fashion brand? Contact Mactavis Digital now to kickstart the growth of your fashion brand.

  • Understanding Copywriting And Content Marketing For Your Website

    Understanding Copywriting And Content Marketing For Your Website

    Copywriting and content marketing have become very important in the digital space. The amount of potential customers online is mind-boggling, therefore having content that gravitates people towards your brand is important. Copywriting and content marketing are intertwined, but they don’t mean the same thing. That said, what is copywriting?

    Copywriting involves making content attractive to the extent that customers move past the reading phase to the purchase phase. Informative blog posts, insightful case studies, how-to guides and entertaining social media snippets help provide value for your audience.

    This article highlights essential tips and skills that are essential in copywriting. Let’s dive in.

     

    Copywriting vs content marketing

    Don’t be afraid. This headline is not an advert for an upcoming boxing match. We just want to highlight the difference between content marketing and copywriting. Imagine this. Books, pencils, and erasers are all grouped under the term, “Stationery”. All these items are part of a larger category. It’s the same for copywriting and content marketing.

    Copywriting is a form of content and marketing. Content marketing, according to the Content Marketing Institute, is “a strategic marketing approach focused on creating and distributing value, relevant and consistent content to attract and retain a clearly defined audience – and ultimately, to drive profitable customer action”.

    Content marketing is an umbrella term that covers any content you create and distribute. It includes blog posts, social media posts, emails, print copy, press releases and so on. Copywriting involves three ultimate aim of attracting sales. A blog post which may be written just to educate may not be termed as copy, but can be referred to an example of content marketing.

     

    Why is Copywriting Important?

    Every successful content marketing strategy must have copywriting at its core. Its idea is to inform rather than promote that puts you as an authority in your niche or industry. Most people don’t really appreciate when they are being “directly advertised” to.

    You most create copy or content in a systematic way without overly promoting your products or services which converts a fair portion of readers into potential customers and followers. Think of copywriting as a Call-To-Action: but on a much larger scale.

     

    Essential Copywriting Skills

    Every good copywriter needs a skill set that puts them at an expertise level when it comes to creating sales-inducing content. Some are listed below:

     

    Your headlines must attract

    Headlines are very important when it comes to copywriting as they must make the reader want to keep reading until the article is completely read. The reader must be excited about reading the rest of the content. To do that, having a headline that hits people once they see it is advised. Famous copywriter, David Ogilvy put it aptly when he said, “Five times as many people read the headlines as read the body copy”.

    Simply put, if a headline isn’t compelling enough, there is a higher chance that the rest the content will not be read. Research and recent studies have proved that 80% of viewers read the headline but not the body copy. Headlines must be direct, short and unique. Simply put, no one is going to read content unless they feel drawn by the headline.

     

    Your writing skills must be top-notch

    Copywriting involves having excellent writing skills. Use of grammar, punctuation, and spelling must be mastered by a good copywriter. You must also be able to create easy-to-read content and make complex topics simple. Writing great transitions and crafting compelling conclusions is also a must. Since copywriting involves writing compelling content, you must use the correct style and select the best vocabulary words within a specific content.

     

    Your audience must be able to relate with your content

    One thing you must be able to do when writing good copy is to put yourself in the mind of the reader. Understand their pain points, so you strive to create content that can solve their problems. You must listen to the needs and desires of your audience, and research on the language they use.

    Doing keyword research is very important, as it helps you understand what your customers are searching for online. By writing in a way that the reader can relate to, you can lead them to do what you want. You must highlight their problems, and also give solutions to the challenges. You must focus on benefits, not features. Good copywriting should speak to the reader in human terms.

    Be direct in the way you write things instead of using exaggerated language to drive home a point.

     

    A good copywriter must specialize

    The task of content creation is only possible from someone who has deep experience and interest in a niche. While some writers can learn quickly about an industry and produce wonderful content, it is important to have experience and interest. Specific content needs writers that are well versed in that particular niche, otherwise, there is a high probability that a low-quality content will be churned out.

     

    Don’t go yet, read this.

    We do hope this article helped you understand what you need to do to become a better copywriter. Content marketing strategies keep changing, so self-development, a fresh set of understanding, and skills are needed to improve. Do you need a digital agency that can attend to all your copywriting needs? Look no further. Mactavis is a digital agency that has worked with different websites and brands on their copywriting needs.

    For your comments, suggestions or inquiries, please contact us or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @MactavisDigital. You can also check out our portfolio to find out what we have done in the past. We would be happy to hear from you. Really.

  • How To Make Your Website GDPR Compliant

    How To Make Your Website GDPR Compliant

    The European Union (EU) on May 25, 2018, enacted a new regulation (GDPR) whose aim is to protect the data and information of different website users. The European continent had been looking for the solution to threats on cybersecurity and felt that a radical approach as to how information is managed is the panacea for the increasing wave of such threats.

    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation that allows users to have complete control over their data. WordPress is taking a whole new dimension in 2018, and as a site administrator, you have to make sure that your site doesn’t flout these rules.

    This article highlights the changes you can effect on your site to make it GDPR compliant. Let’s go.

     

    What is GDPR?

    As a site administrator, you have to tell users why you need their information. The GDPR is designed to provide better protection of personal data – or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) – to people living in the European Union. The GDPR imposes specific obligations on “controllers” or “processors” of personal data. Failure to meet these obligations can lead to major fines of up to €20m.

    The European Union passed this regulation to affect everyone on the continent. However, this regulation has ripple effects on the rest of the world. Regardless of your location, as long as you collect information from someone in the borders of the EU, you are subject to this law. This is because you have information owned by the EU resident.

    Here’s what you’ll be responsible for to ensure you are GDPR compliant:

    • Tell the user: who you are, why you need their data, how long you are keeping the data and who has access to it.
    • Get clear consent, before collecting the data.
    • You must give users the ability to see their own data, download and delete permanently from your archives.
    • In the event of a security breach, you let your users know about it.

     

    GDPR and the WordPress Community

    As plugin developers and site administrators, we are responsible for managing our sites well so users can manage their data. 30% of the internet runs on WordPress, therefore we need to do a lot. WordPress is a Content Management System that enables a massive flow of information between our sites and users. For WordPress admins, there is a website called GDPRWP that has been set up to provide plugin developers with a simple solution to ‘GDPR-validate’ their plugins.

    For administrators, they also provide tools and overview to handle administrative duties as regards GDPR. You also get the chance to get into a Slack community that provides help and support to plugin developers and website administrators. Check out their website here.

     

    What You Need To Do

     

    Contact forms must explain a lot

    Almost all websites have contact forms. This is the simplest way for visitors to contact you directly. For your forms to be GDPR compliant, you must state why you are asking for any information. Let’s say for example when the user is adding an email address or phone number, a pop-up that says, “This is how you will be contacted.” should come up. It helps to clarify your use of their information.

    Another thing you need to add to your form is having a checkbox for users to confirm that they accept the terms of service for using your website and how they agree to be contacted. This is called UNBUNDLED OPT-IN. If you wish to send further marketing communications to the customer you must have different checkbox options for each type of marketing, whether it be by email, text or post.

    This boxes must be UNTICKED by default, so they have the option of choosing what they want. This is what is called a Granular Opt-In and is a key requirement of being GDPR compliant. For excellent user experience, the user of a website must know that they have the right to withdraw their consent as easily as they give it.

     

    Ask for the bare minimum of information

    A good rule of thumb is to ask for as little information as possible from your users. A lot of websites, forms, and plugins ask for a lot of information that is not really needed. Ask for the basics as GDPR states that you must be able to explain why you need a particular piece of information. If you are asking for their full names, tell them why.

    GDPR has made asking information for “future use” or “just in case” not advisable, therefore the information you ask must be as explicit as possible.

     

    Email marketing should be monitored

    One of the major aims of GDPR is to ensure users or customers do not receive unsolicited emails, whether from companies they know or do not know. If customers decide to ignore these emails, they will be automatically unsubscribed. This has been welcomed by many who receive unsolicited emails from websites and their partners.

    The regulation also ensures that website owners must only send out marketing material and information to users that have officially opted-in and make it easy to unsubscribe.

     

    Be careful of the information you store on your website

    For e-commerce websites that use payment gateways for financial transactions, being GDPR compliant is a must. This is because you may be collecting personal data before passing the details to the payment gateway. You need to modify your web processes to remove any personal information after a reasonable number of days, say 60 or 90 days. This is to ensure you can defend the storage of users’ PII if you are found culpable of violating GDPR regulations.

     

    Conclusion

    The WordPress community is hard at work helping website owners with GDPR opt-in and compliance. While the regulation is still relatively novel and still laced with some uncertainties, be rest assured that in the coming months, there will be many more options in your favourite plugins or extensions made by third parties.

    To make your site compliant with GDPR regulations, make sure you’re transparent with people and follow the aforementioned guides.

     

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